This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#19, 2026)
New EU-US air transport agreement finalised; Judicial sale of ships treaty adopted; Cross-border rail capacity rules published; Periodic vehicle checks reforms advance; Commission backs hydrogen investment.
May 17, 2026 to May 23, 2026
New EU-US air transport agreement finalised; Judicial sale of ships treaty adopted; Cross-border rail capacity rules published; Periodic vehicle checks reforms advance; Commission backs hydrogen investment.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
European Commission
Commission approves €1.3 billion German State aid to support renewable hydrogen production
The European Commission has approved a €1.3 billion German State aid scheme under EU State aid rules to support the production of renewable hydrogen. The scheme uses the European Hydrogen Bank’s “Auctions-as-a-Service” tool, supporting construction of up to 1,000 MW of electrolyser capacity and production of up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen. Aid will be awarded via competitive bidding supervised by CINEA, with direct grants per kilogram produced for a maximum of ten years, requiring compliance with EU criteria for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). The scheme incentivises cross-border infrastructure, connecting Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1 pipeline to buyers in Germany’s Hydrogen Core Network. Assessment took place under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy, aligning with REPowerEU and the EU Hydrogen Strategy.
Remarks by President von der Leyen at EU-Mexico summit business meeting
President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the EU-Mexico summit business delegation on 21 May 2026, outlining the modernisation of the Global Agreement between the EU and Mexico. She referenced EUR 5 billion in new EU investments in Mexico via the Global Gateway plan and highlighted clean energy infrastructure and decarbonisation measures for ports as areas of collaboration. The updated agreement will remove trade barriers, including restrictions and tariffs on critical raw materials such as fluorite and copper, and open procurement in Mexico to European companies at both national and regional levels. The remarks came ahead of the signing ceremony for the revised Strategic Partnership Agreement and linked the business partnership to broader supply chain resilience and regulatory harmonisation, noting mutual benefits for jobs and technology transfer.
Joint Statement of the European Union - Mexico Summit 2026
On 22 May 2026, EU and Mexican leaders signed the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement (Modernised Global Agreement) and an Interim Trade Agreement. The statement emphasised expanded cooperation including sustainable transport and decarbonisation of ports and railways, as well as alignment with Mexico's Plan Mexico. The agenda encompasses cross-border investment in green maritime corridors and digital infrastructure. The EU-Mexico partnership reinforces resilience and open trade, with improved sectoral dialogue on subjects ranging from fisheries and transport to digital regulation, and sets the context for Mexico's entry into the Enterprise Europe Network as an international partner.
Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the European Clean Tech Conference
On 18 May 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Clean Tech Conference via video, noting the sector’s creation of 100,000 jobs annually and its role in clean shipping and industrial innovation. The Commission will present an Electrification Action Plan with clear targets to accelerate Europe’s transition from fossil fuels. Von der Leyen referenced the Industrial Accelerator Act, designed to simplify permitting and support investments in clean industrial infrastructure, including in transport and ports. She noted reforms to the Emissions Trading System (ETS), aiming to direct revenues exclusively toward clean industry, and cited ongoing competition in global clean technology markets.
Commission proposes €144 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund to help Spain, Romania, and Cyprus recover from climate disasters
On 17 May 2026, the Commission proposed €144 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to assist Spain, Romania, and Cyprus in recovering from wildfires and floods. Funds will support restoration of infrastructure, including transport and port facilities disrupted by disasters in 2025. The largest portion (€120.4 million) is allocated to Spain for wildfire recovery, while Romania and Cyprus are to receive €14.3 million and €9.2 million respectively. The proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and Council. The Commission notes the increased frequency of climate events, and that port and logistics infrastructure rehabilitation is prioritised in integrated wildfire risk management presented in March 2026.
Commission report shows Schengen area continues to be resilient and ready for future challenges
The European Commission published its fifth State of Schengen report, reviewing border and migration developments in 2025–2026. The Schengen area saw a 26% decrease in illegal border crossings, full launch of the Entry/Exit System in April 2026, and further digitalisation of external border procedures, impacting road and freight transport between Member States. The report states internal border controls are subject to structured dialogue with Member States, and the Justice and Home Affairs Council will discuss these priorities and operational frameworks in June. The Commission outlines continued work on return procedures and digital case management supporting trade and cross-border movement.
Remarks by Commissioner Síkela at joint press conference with Greenlandic Prime Minister Nielsen in Nuuk
Commissioner Síkela visited Nuuk as part of the EU-Greenland Policy Dialogue, discussing updates to the EU Arctic Strategy and the EU’s role in sustainable development and connectivity, including port and shipping infrastructure. The Commission proposes doubling investment for Greenland (€225 million to €530 million), supporting critical raw materials projects, digital connectivity, and clean shipping routes. The visit and forthcoming investment package from President von der Leyen emphasise trade route security and responsible resource development, with implications for Arctic shipping and diversified supply chains.
Speech by President von der Leyen at European Parliament debate on the Single Market
President von der Leyen addressed the plenary on the importance of the Single Market for European businesses, referencing initiatives such as the Industrial Accelerator Act and the future Quality Jobs Act. In the context of transport and logistics, she cited packages supporting critical raw materials and the Electrification Action Plan to be delivered soon. The speech underlines cross-border integration in the logistics sector, referencing recent trade agreements and supply chain disruptions managed via Single Market tools. Upcoming legislative proposals include coordination of investments in grid infrastructure and digitalisation for multimodal transport.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1133 on the Air Transport Agreement between the EU, US, Iceland, Norway
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1133, adopted 18 May 2026, finalises the Air Transport Agreement between the US, the EU and its Member States, Iceland, and Norway. The decision and accompanying Ancillary Agreement confirm full integration of Iceland and Norway into the single European aviation market. The agreement, originally signed in 2011, applies provisionally since that date, but is now formally concluded after ratification and legal adjustments following CJEU judgment C-28/12. Key provisions relate to market access, regulatory harmonisation, and operational standards for EU, US, and EEA carriers.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1099 on the Judicial Sale of Ships (Beijing Convention)
Adopted 27 April 2026, Council Decision (EU) 2026/1099 approves the United Nations Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, the Beijing Convention. The instrument establishes legal certainty for purchasers following judicial ship sales, facilitating clear title transfer and harmonised procedures across international shipping routes. The decision references Union exclusive competence with respect to Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 and (EU) 2020/1784, and ensures alignment of European port and shipping markets with global standards. It includes a declaration of competence and sets the stage for further implementation in EU maritime law.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1032 on Greece's Single European Sky performance plan
On 23 April 2026, Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1032 confirms the consistency of Greece's revised draft performance plan for air navigation with Union-wide targets under Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 for Single European Sky (RP4, 2025–2029). The plan addresses safety, environmental, capacity, and cost-efficiency targets. Notably, cross-border coordination in railways and port-air intermodality is referenced as part of capacity enhancement, and determined unit costs were reviewed in line with Eurocontrol forecasts.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1031 on Latvia's Single European Sky performance plan
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1031, issued 23 April 2026, finds Latvia's revised air navigation performance plan consistent with Union-wide targets for RP4 under Regulation (EC) No 549/2004. Adjustments were made considering traffic reductions linked to regional developments, and technical efficiency standards for freight and passenger aviation were validated for the 2025–2029 reference period.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1033 on Denmark's Single European Sky performance plan
Adopted 23 April 2026, Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1033 confirms Denmark’s revised performance plan for air navigation aligns with Union-wide targets for RP4 (2025–2029). The plan incorporates infrastructural improvements, including sector optimization and enhanced capacity for Danish airspace relevant for freight logistics. Traffic reductions due to external events were considered, and cost-efficiency and safety targets meet EU benchmarks.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1034 on Estonia's Single European Sky performance plan
On 23 April 2026, Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1034 establishes Estonia’s revised performance plan is consistent with Union-wide targets for RP4 under Regulation (EC) No 549/2004. Estonia’s measures focus on maintaining flexibility in air traffic controller staffing and incorporation of advanced analytics for safety monitoring, impacting the efficiency of freight and passenger air operations.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1042 on Ireland's Single European Sky performance plan
Issue date: 23 April 2026. Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1042 ensures Ireland’s revised air navigation performance plan complies with Union-wide targets for RP4. Measures include expanded staffing, investments in new ATM systems, and cost-efficiency targets for terminal and en-route services, relevant for integrated freight and port logistics.
Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and China on tariff rate quotas (UK withdrawal)
On 18 May 2026, a formal exchange of letters between the EU and China pursuant to Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 modifies concessions on all EU tariff rate quotas following the UK’s withdrawal. Council Decision (EU) 2026/1076 approves the apportionment, specifying new quota allocations for agricultural and industrial products, including those impacting port logistics and maritime supply chains. These changes follow earlier notification to WTO members and preserve China’s consultation rights.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
EP Committee Work
Periodic vehicle checks: Parliament ready to start talks with Council
The Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) announced on 21 May 2026 that, following a plenary vote, Parliament is moving forward with negotiations with the Council on reforms of roadworthiness checks for cars. The mandate supports expanded options for vehicle inspections and new requirements for odometer readings to be recorded in national databases, aimed at combatting fraud. The legislative process will also reinforce roadside checks for polluting emissions across private and commercial vehicles, impacting road freight and logistics operators. Rapporteur Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) leads the negotiations.
Upgrading cross-border railway capacity coordination
On 19 May 2026, TRAN committee press release described new EU rules, already confirmed by the Council, defining planning and allocation of railway infrastructure capacity. The European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM) gains further powers to coordinate cross-border traffic, set performance targets consistent with EU modal shift goals, and introduce penalties for non-compliance with path allocation. The legislation strengthens the role of railway undertakings in capacity-related decisions and mandates the creation of a European railway platform, supporting network coordination and performance monitoring.
Transport MEPs to deepen transatlantic dialogue
TRAN committee members will visit Washington, D.C. to meet US governmental and industry representatives, focusing on aviation, autonomous vehicles, and maritime transport. Discussions will center on innovative technologies and resilient supply chains, including intermodal port infrastructure developments in Baltimore. Vice-chair Sophia Kircher (EPP, AT) leads the delegation, which includes MEPs Jens Gieseke, Marianne Vind, Matteo Ricci, Roman Haider, Maciej Wasik, and Valérie Devaux.
